In the Cloud cocktail at FYC Burbank. Photo by Karin E. Baker for The LA Beat.
FYC Bar & Kitchen is a hidden gem tucked away in the Hotel Amarano, a chic boutique hotel located slightly off the beaten path in a largely residential Burbank neighborhood.
FYC is an acronym for “For Your Consideration. The Tinseltown-influenced name befits a spot located near Warner Bros., Disney, and Universal Studios.
A babbling fountain, a tree bestrewn with lights, bougainvillea, a banana palm, and other greenery make the patio feel like a private sanctuary. Striking cane chairs and tile-topped tables enhance the getting-away-from-it-all mood. Spend a bit of time relaxing here in easy conversation and you’ll see why the Amarano is a favorite of low-key celebrities doing business at the nearby studios.
If you’d prefer to sit inside, the lounge is a fashionable, relaxing space featuring calming neutrals accented with goldenrod yellow. You’ll find a few rustic details and decorative objects referencing Burbank history.
If you see Tom, the Amarano’s friendly General Manager, ask him about his first job. As he told me, “I had every teenage boy’s dream job.” Back in the early ‘70s, he was a pool boy at the Playboy Club Hotel, a Hefner resort in New Jersey.
The Pato at FYC Bar & Kitchen. Image courtesy of the Amarano Hotel.
In the mood for a cocktail? Put yourself in the hands of Norm, the Head Bartender. This longtime Hotel Amarano veteran doesn’t just craft a great drink. He’s also a convivial conversationalist who makes excellent food recommendations as he’s tasted every dish on the menu multiple times.
If you’re a fan of the classic Old Fashioned, try the Fashionable, a variation made with Templeton Rye, smoked demerara syrup, saffron bitters, and orange peel. In the Clouds is an elegant foam-topped cocktail made with Aviation Gin, St. Germain, cran-peach juice, house-made sour, and mint and is extremely sippable.
Also delicious are the Westward Bound (Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon, honey syrup, lemon juice, and smoked rosemary) and the Spicy Passionfruit Paloma, a refreshing highball made with Don Julio Blanco Tequila, passionfruit puree, grapefruit juice, and Ancho Reyes liqueur.
You won’t want to pass up the starters. The tuna tartare, generously portioned and served with avocado and furikake wonton strips, is a real standout, as is the avocado toast, topped with arugula, pickled shallots, tomatoes, and pepitas. Crispy sweet potato bravas are enhanced with jalapeño honey, avocado crema, scallions, and feta. Vegetable-intensive shareable plates like Charred Broccolini Gomae and Curry Caulilini with Chickpeas are highly satisfying.
Decadent entrees include New York Strip Steak with horseradish creme fraiche, smashed and fried marble potatoes, and roasted brussels sprouts, and Shrimp Orrechiette with pesto, charred broccolini, tomato, and parmesan. Other popular options include burgers made with Beyond Meat and sea bass on a bed of sauteed vegetables. Chocolate crunch cake with chocolate sauce and fresh berries is a sweetly satisfying finish.
Valet is complimentary when dining at FYC. FYC Bar & Kitchen is located at 322 N. Pass Avenue in Burbank. To make dinner reservations, call 818.842.8887.
(Photos below by Karin E. Baker for The LA Beat)
